What is a spiritual name?

A spiritual name is a vibration, a frequency and a tool that helps to elevate your energy through the power of its naad (inner sound current), and through the divine essence of its meaning. It is your soul identity. It challenges you to live in your highest consciousness and helps you progress towards your ultimate destiny. Yogi Bhajan said: “…when one asks for a spiritual name, that name actually describes the destiny of that person.” Making the choice to receive a spiritual name is taking a step toward leaving old patterns behind and connecting with your Infinite self.

“Your spiritual name is your designated destiny, your heavenly identity. That’s all it is. You may or may not live to it, but it is your guiding force. And it’s a prayer. When somebody calls me “Yogiji”, it means ‘one who is united with the greater soul’. When somebody calls me ‘Bhajan’, it means a ‘divine song’. And if somebody calls me ‘Harbhajan Singh’, it means ‘the lion who sings the divine song’. It’s a prayer in the others man’s word. What is a prayer? It’s a calling. And you answer the calling. You get uplifted. It’s a plus. It’s a way of receiving people’s blessings.” -- Yogi Bhajan

How do I know I am ready to receive a spiritual name?

Yogi Bhajan gave a spiritual name to anyone who requested one. “When a person asks for it – then he/she is ready.” Most importantly, his timeless words resonated to all: “Everybody deserves an opportunity to change.” This was his criteria which continues to this day.

Who gives spiritual names today and how are they given?

Nirinjan Kaur, Yogi Bhajan’s Chief of Staff, was trained personally by him for over thirty years, in his method of determining names. It is based on your birth date and involves the use of his particular type of numerology. Sometimes the Siri Guru Granth Sahib (sacred Sikh scriptures) is used as a resource. Before his death in 2004, Yogi Bhajan gave his blessings to Nirinjan to continue his work of giving names to those who request them.

Why are men given the name Singh and women Kaur as part of their spiritual names?

Singh is given as the second part of each spiritual name for men, and Kaur is given as the second part for women. Kaur means “princess or lioness of God”, and Singh means “the lion of God.” The names Kaur and Singh convey nobility, grace, power, courage and living consciously.

Why do married couples/life partners often have the same spiritual names?

Yogi Bhajan taught that the ultimate goal in marriage and/or a life partnership is to become “as one soul in two bodies.” He often gave the same first name to couples because having the same name helps them to experience unity and oneness. “A spiritual marriage is a process of amalgamation whereby the man and woman eventually become merged, retaining all of their individual strengths, while complimenting each other, supporting each other and covering for each other’s weaknesses.” -- Yogi Bhajan

Why do some people receive the same spiritual names?

People worldwide have requested and are requesting names. Whether or not other people have the same name as you, the name that you receive is the right name for you. Not only is it based on the numerology of your birth date, but Yogi Bhajan’s spirit is very present in this divine work of giving names, as many who have received their spiritual names have experienced.

Why is the spelling of my name different from that of my friend who has the same name?

There may be more than one correct way to spell your name. Most of the names are originally given in the Sikh sacred language called Gurbani. Therefore, there is no direct correlation to the English alphabet or any right or wrong way to spell these names.

The pronunciation of your spiritual name is more important than how it is spelled. Whatever spelling helps you and others pronounce the name as correctly as possible is the best spelling to use. Look for your name on the Names and Pronunciations page. You will see its suggested spelling. If you do not find your name on the list, please email us.

How do I pronounce my spiritual name?

Most of the spiritual names and their pronunciations can be found on the Names and Pronunciations page. Since many of these names are from Gurbani, English speaking people sometimes have difficulty in pronouncing them. “…In English the tongue is mostly in back of the mouth. In Gurbani the tongue is in front of the mouth, tapping all of the meridian points on the upper palate, in turn stimulating the brain and elevating one’s consciousness. It is the perfect naad or inner sound current.” -- Yogi Bhajan

Listen to your name carefully (click here), and do the best you can to pronounce it as accurately as possible. If you cannot find your name on our list, or if you need more help learning how to pronounce it, email us or call (505) 692-0264.

I am finding it difficult to connect or resonate with my name.

Even though at first your spiritual name may not be familiar to you, through the power of its sound current and depth of its meaning, it can help you go beyond any self-imposed limitations to that cozy peaceful place in you that is limitless, that is your infinite self, that is who you are.

What can I do to resonate with my name and integrate it into my life?

Taking on a new name is a big life change. Whenever you make major changes in your daily life, it is always helpful to use the 40 day rule. According to yogic technology it takes 40 days to change a habit – to retrain the mental process and nervous system. Using your name for at least 40 days allows you the opportunity to incorporate it into your being. Meditate on it, write it, chant or recite it silently and out loud and ask others to begin using it. Tune into your name as your personal mantra. Allow it to become a reflection of your inner depth, continually reminding you of your soul’s highest destiny. Yogi Bhajan said that a spiritual name can be given only once to a person in his/her lifetime. There is a certain time and space – a destiny – in its creation.

Some of my family, friends and business associates are having a hard time relating to my spiritual name. What can I do?

As most of the names are from Gurbani (the sacred language of the Sikhs) there may be loved ones and business or other associates who find that they are strange sounding, and thus, feel awkward. They oftentimes have difficulty pronouncing them, or spelling them, or using the whole name - and want to shorten it.

Keep in mind that it may take time for you to accept and connect with your name. Put yourself in other people’s shoes – and have patience and compassion with your friends and family as well as with yourself. Most of us prefer things to be easy and comfortable. It’s up to you to stand up for what you feel is right for you and hold to your values and commitment. Be who you are. A spiritual name will support and help you in this state of being.

The more people speak your name, the more it permeates into your being. Then you start to experience its power to manifest in your life.

Slowly keep pronouncing your name, write it down, hear it, feel it and experience what it has to offer you. Relax and have fun with your name.

What if I was given a name from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib at birth?

Any name that comes from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib carries the divine energy and powerful language, Gurbani. If you meditate upon it, it can act as a guide in your life.

For some people, however, their given names – even if they come from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib – carry a lot of past associations, which may or may not have strong spiritual components. It is perfectly acceptable to ask for another name, knowing that this name is specifically for the purpose of building your spiritual identity and living your spiritual destiny. It is between you and your consciousness how you decide to approach it. In any case, it’s important to feel that your decision is right for you.

What if I have received more than one name?

Some people have received more than one name. This could be due to sending in more than one request form, a computer error, or an error on the part of the 3ho Spiritual Names Office. Whatever is the reason , the correct name for you is the first one received.

If I become a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, am I required to get a spiritual name?

No, it is your personal choice whether or not you get a spiritual name. During a Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training course, you may be encouraged to get one, but you are NOT required to do so.